Myanmar Releases Four Jailed Journalists in Mass Amnesty

Myanmar’s military authorities have released at least four imprisoned journalists as part of a large-scale amnesty involving thousands of detainees, a move welcomed by press freedom advocates though concerns remain about the many reporters still behind bars.

The releases were announced in early March 2026 as part of a government pardon that freed more than 7,000 prisoners convicted under counterterrorism or security laws, according to reports from media organizations and rights groups. The amnesty coincided with a national holiday and followed a broader tradition of periodic prisoner pardons by the country’s military government.

Among the journalists released were Hmu Yadanar Khet Moh Moh Tun, Myat Kalay (also known as Naing Win Tun), Than Htike Myint, and Yan Naing Soe. All four had previously been imprisoned on terrorism-related charges that press freedom groups say have frequently been used by Myanmar’s authorities to silence independent reporting since the military coup in 2021.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) welcomed the journalists’ release but stressed that it represents only a partial improvement in a country where media repression remains widespread. CPJ urged Myanmar’s military leadership to free all remaining jailed journalists and end the practice of prosecuting reporters under sweeping counterterrorism legislation.

Several of the journalists had been detained for reporting on political developments and civil unrest following the military takeover. Rights groups say Myanmar’s authorities have increasingly relied on broad national security laws, including terrorism provisions, to prosecute journalists, activists, and critics of the regime.

The amnesty also freed numerous political detainees, including members of the ousted National League for Democracy (NLD) and other individuals accused of opposing military rule. However, many high-profile political prisoners remain in detention, including former civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been imprisoned since the 2021 coup.

Press freedom advocates note that Myanmar continues to rank among the world’s leading jailers of journalists. Since the military seized power, dozens of reporters have been arrested, prosecuted, or forced into exile, while independent media outlets have faced closures and restrictions.

While welcoming the release of the four journalists, international media rights organizations emphasize that the broader situation for journalism in Myanmar remains deeply concerning. They continue to call on the military government to drop charges against imprisoned reporters and restore conditions that allow independent journalism to operate freely.

Reference –

At least 4 Myanmar journalists jailed on terrorism charges released in amnesty

NLD government officials among political prisoners released in Myanmar amnesty

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